Get ready Las Cruces! The Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market is a contestant in the 2010 America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest. The Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market is currently ranked number one in New Mexico and 9th on the list of top 20 markets in the nation with 56 or more active vendors.

To increase Las Cruces’ rank, vote for the market online at www.farmland.org/vote

The America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest is hosted each year by American Farmland Trust (AFT). The online contest is a nationwide challenge to see which of America’s farmers markets can rally the most support from their communities. At the end of the contest, on August 31st, one large, medium, small, and boutique sized farmers market will win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” for 2010.

Farmers markets are a vital link between local farms and their supporting communities, providing fresh and healthy food and an experience that cannot be matched anywhere else. By partnering with farmers market managers, AFT is encouraging consumers to consider the importance of farmland and to support local farmers.

In 2011, the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts market will be celebrating its 40th anniversary, and making it to the number one spot in the nation would be the pinnacle of success. Anyone can vote in support of their region’s farmers, community and market. To vote for the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market, please go to www.farmland.org/vote.

“Farmers markets are one of the best ways for consumers to support local farms and farmers,” says Julia Freedgood, Managing Director for AFT’s Growing Local Initiative. “A great way to find seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, farmers markets also support public health and economic development opportunities in our communities.” The 2007 U.S. Agricultural Census reports a 49 percent growth in sales from farms directly to consumers since 2002-representing $1.2 billon that stayed in local communities. But at the same time, more than 800,000 acres of farmland are developed each year – most around cities where there is the greatest demand for local food. “We need to make the connection: there’s no local food without local farms and farmland,” says Freedgood.

AFT is a national nonprofit organization working with farmers and ranchers to protect the land, produce a healthier environment, and build successful communities. As the nation’s leading advocate for farm and ranch land conservation, AFT has ensured that more than three million acres of land stay bountiful and productive. AFT’s national office is located in Washington, D.C. The phone number is 202-331-7300.www.farmland.org

For more information about the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market, please contact Eric Montgomery at 575-541-2288 or fcmarket@las-cruces.org.

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